CAIRO, January 18, 2009 (WAFA)- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met, Sunday, with Egyptian President Husni Mobarak and discussed with him the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, regarding the ceasefire that has started since this morning, and the Egyptian Initiative for Palestinian national reconciliation.

The two presidents reviewed the contacts Egypt is making with the rest of the regional and international parties, including the consultative meeting President Mobarak called to, in order to look into the steps necessary for restoring the calm in the Gaza Strip, to open crossing points, to lift the siege, and to carry out relief and reconstruction operations.

In the meantime, Palestinian Presidency Spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeina, said that President Mahmoud Abbas affirms that Israel must immediately withdraw its forces from the Gaza Strip, after launching its unilateral ceasefire. He added that after this decision, a comprehensive truce must be reached, and the siege must be lifted off the Gaza Strip.